>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 6 Stardate: 2444.06.06 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room – Ops/Sec– CPO Charles Tamblyn - 1055) (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1056) (Mars Facility – Medical Center - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 1224) (Mars Facility – Medical Center - aACSO(R)– Ensign Sekal- 1226) (Mars Facility – Medical Center – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken- 1230) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office – CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1405) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office – CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1430) (Mars Facility – Security Complex - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters – 1447) (Mars Facility – Operations Complex– OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 1534) (Mars Facility – Intelligence Compound - Ensign(jg) Jaelle Foxglove - 1841) (Mars Facility, Security Complex, SECOPS - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1844) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek -2007) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – Pilot Ensign jg Ravok-2009) (Mars Facility – Operations Complex– OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 2030) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek & Pilot – Ensign JG Ravok – 2107) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Facility – Operations Centre – Conference Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1056) Remae had dismissed his officer and was about to speak to Luma and Ensign Sekal but as everyone left, a few other officers wanted a quick chat with their Admiral. “Permission granted.”, said Remae. He had approved Chief Tamblyn’s request to become OPS on both Mars and his ship assignment. “Aye, sir. With your permission, sir, I have lots to do before the heavy work can get started.”, he said and was gone, the Admiral admired his work ethic but not for too long. Ensign Jaton Alyl had a report to deliver. The report was indicated the there was a core-breach that caused the loss of the ship and 1 body could have been left behind. “...improper maintenance.”, she said seemingly very uncomfortable at the idea. “Let me know at once.”, he said to the Ensign after considering the options, he needed to know, whatever the cause was. “I’ll finish that up today, before the end of Alpha shift.”, said the Pilot before asking about who was overseeing the refit of the Mystique. “Refit might be a little bit of an exaggeration, but the ship is actually in good condition.”, he said and then the Admiral listen to his request to transfer to Engineering for the trip in the Mystique. “I am happy for you to help out in Engineering. Thank you.”, he said and then nodded at the Ensign as her business was concluded and Remae could return to the matter of talking to Luma. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Facility – Medical Center - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 1224) "I admit I pushed too heavily on drinking a known diuretic but the hot tea was helping to offset the chill of the base. It appears that in my case it is extremely effective in that capacity and I will have to discontinue drinking it." He looked at Bracken. "What do you know of hot apple cider? I have been considering a change to that at any rate." Ailynn nodded, listening carefully as Sekal spoke. “How long have you felt the way you have?” She asked, a frown of concentration on her face. "When did the symptoms start? Sometime this morning before the meeting." Ailynn picked up a small device. “Okay, small bright light. My apologies.” She shone the light into each eye and looked through an attached lens, “Pupil response….Normal.” Putting the lamp down, she picked up the tricorder, and scanned. Nodding to herself. “I’d go easy with too much fruit juice, hot or otherwise. Although it’s less of a diuretic, it’s also really high in sugar, which is altogether the wrong kind of fuel that your body needs.” (Reply Sekal) “Okay, first things first. I’m going to give you a rehydration supplement, it will be pinned to the top of your standard refreshment list. Make sure that you have 4 or 5 a day for the next couple of days, your body is dehydrated, that’s why your head is sensitive. You’ll notice an increase in urine output, and a change to the usual colour, it’ll will be darker at first as your body expels the excess urea in your blood, after that, it will run much more colourless.” (Reply Sekal) “There’s lots else.” She raised an eyebrow. “When did you last eat a proper meal? one that is designed for your physiological needs I mean?” Her tone was firm, but friendly. (Reply Sekal) (Posted by Mark) (Mars Facility – Medical Center - aACSO(R)– Ensign Sekal- 1226) “I’d go easy with too much fruit juice, hot or otherwise. Although it’s less of a diuretic, it’s also really high in sugar, which is altogether the wrong kind of fuel that your body needs.” Sekal considered that. "A logical answer and I will limit my intake of it if I choose to try it." He considered his father who had found orange juice to fit his taste over thirty years ago and still drank it to this day. He did not do so continuously however although he often saw him with it. Saleke's main source of hydration was of course water. “Okay, first things first. I’m going to give you a rehydration supplement, it will be pinned to the top of your standard refreshment list. Make sure that you have 4 or 5 a day for the next couple of days, your body is dehydrated, that’s why your head is sensitive. You’ll notice an increase in urine output, and a change to the usual colour, it’ll will be darker at first as your body expels the excess urea in your blood, after that, it will run much more colourless.” "Understood doctor." This was all very basic hydration concepts. Sekal would drink water copiously during this time period to insure he was at peak hydration at the end of that time period. Should he choose to try another beverage it would be afterward so as not to interfere with the therapy. “There’s lots else.” She raised an eyebrow. “When did you last eat a proper meal? one that is designed for your physiological needs I mean?” He raised an eyebrow in return. "Are you implying that I have a nutritional imbalance?" (Reply: Bracken) "Very well..." he shrugged. "...I have been sampling local dishes in the interest of 'broadening my horizons' so to speak. Since this has been incompatible with my physiology I will return to my native foods." His experimentation with non-Vulcan cuisine was now over and he had found very little of what he had tried to be of much interest though one particular dish had seemed doomed from the start. He had tried it twice and was unable to finish it both times. "Very well doctor I will take the hydration and nutritional supplements you prescribe and you may rest assured there will be no reoccurrence of this behavior on my part." (Reply: Bracken) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Mars Facility – Medical Center – aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken- 1230) He raised an eyebrow in return. "Are you implying that I have a nutritional imbalance?" “That’s the big source of your issues yes.” Ailynn answered, “Prophets know that too much caffeine, and not enough fluids and my head lets me know about it. Take it easy is all I’m saying yes?” "Very well..." he shrugged. "...I have been sampling local dishes in the interest of 'broadening my horizons' so to speak. Since this has been incompatible with my physiology I will return to my native foods." “I’m not saying don’t experiment, but take it easy, and do it within the framework of your own nutritional needs. Take supplements if you want to continue exploring new food experiences, there’s no problem with that.” "Very well doctor I will take the hydration and nutritional supplements you prescribe and you may rest assured there will be no reoccurrence of this behavior on my part." Ailynn sighed gently, “Ensign…My I call you Sekal?” (Reply Sekal) NRPG: I’m going to assume a yes, but if it’s any problem let know and I’ll repost. RPG: “Sekal, I’m Ailynn please. I’m not here to tell you off, I’m not here to lecture you. There’s no need to make me feel assured. All I ask is a degree of…logic to your experimentation. Continue to explore new tastes, flavours, textures, but all I ask is that you maintain the levels of essential vitamins that you absolutely have to have.” (Reply Sekal) “There is one more thing, you mentioned that you were cold. Personally it doesn’t bother me, never has, but feel free to speak to Chief Carter outside, she feels the cold here, and has taken to wearing a thermal base layer, you know like those things mountaineers wear. Just a thought” (Reply Sekal) (Posted by Mark) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office – CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1405) Remae retired to his main office and not the one in the main OPS centre and he walked around, look at his desk and then sat down. He would have to move there eventually but he was much happier in this office. Just as he began to settle down, one of his Ensign’s walked in. "Hello sir, there were something's I wanted to speak with you about that I thought prudent to be done after the meeting.", said Ensign Foxglove. She was in the Admiral’s Office and Remae took a moment to compose himself. Of all the officers on his staff, he understood Jaelle the least. “Hang on, just on second, Ensign.”, he said getting up from his chair. The door was open and he wanted it closed for the meeting. (Mars Facility – Corridor – CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1409) The Admiral was hurrying back to his office when he nearly walked into one of his officers… "Oh god, Admiral. I'm so sorry.", said Ensign Cortes. Her PADD clattered to the ground and Remae picked it up for her and he took a look at he contents before handing it back. It was a report on some of the crew psychological evaluations. “Ensign… don’t worry about it.”, he said with a grin; the Admiral always got away with anything when he flashed his cheeky, youthful grin that belied his actual age. “Actually, I am glad I ran into you. Come with me for a moment.”, he said and indicated a seat in his outer office as the Admiral tucked back into his office, “Back in a moment!”, he said disappearing. (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office – CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1415) “Sorry, Ensign Foxglove.”, he said resuming his seat, “Go ahead.”, he said the Intel Officer and allow her to speak about the matter that had brought her to him. (Reply from Foxglove, Cortes, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office – CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1430) Remae was escorting the Intel Officer from his office and sitting outside was the Counsellor. He waved her into his office, and he took his seat. “Thanks for being patient, it’s a bit hectic around here and I don’t things are going to get any better.”, he said and he looked at the Counsellor for a moment, “I wanted to speak to you. You aren’t the only Counsellor on Mars but you are the newest; I am not sure if you had a chance to speak to Ensign Trei, Ensign Ravenstone or our other Medical/Counselling Officer, Ensign Solice yet.”, he said pausing for a moment to let her reply, Remae was getting into the habit of monologuing and he had to stop once in a while to let others speak. (Reply from Cortes) “I see, Ensign. I wanted to speak to each of you about the role of the Counsellor. It’s quite common for the Counsellor to become a confidant of their CO and to become their guide in times of moral or physiological crisis.”, he said and then added, “I noted that you were working on the physiological workups of the crew. I’d like you to oversee this by coordinating with the other Counsellors, taking on a segment of the crew, and delivering me a report on the mental wellbeing of the crew.”, he said to the Counsellor. “You may have to coordinate a shift rotation, who is on or off… make sure that everyone is aware of your services.”, he said then and paused for a moment. (Reply from Cortes) “It could be done over the next few weeks and comparing the results while the crew are on Mars and the ship should give us interesting results.”, he said and then looked back at the Counsellor, “Your thoughts? Remae was mindful of how Counsellors were medical but not under their direct command, Ensign Bracken would be aware of them but given his own experiences, the medical department were hands-off. He was also aware of the 4 Counsellors he had on staff, for Mars, this was tiny ratio but for the Mystique mission, they were going to have to coordinate their efforts and work together. (Reply from Cortes, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Facility – Security Complex - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters – 1447) Carson was finishing up some paperwork when he heard a knock from just outside the office. He looked up and saw Tamblyn standing in the doorway holding a box of what looked like his belongings, Carson waved him in. As he stepped into the office, placed the box next to the desk. As he stood back up, Chief Tamblyn began speaking, "Sir, since the admiral has us shifting to shipboard duty assignments, so that puts me in operations. Also, as long as you are good with it, I would like to remain in the Operations section when we return to Mars." This was a shock, he hadn’t expected such a capable security officer to want to pass up on the opportunities that the base offered. Although Operations would also pose quite an opportunity also. “If it’s what you think is best Chief then I have no quibble with it.” He said with a half smile on his face, he didn’t want the man to know he’d have preferred his expertise on hand, “Before you transition across can you brief me on your findings in regards to the investigation?” "Well sir, I received several replies to discreet inquiries that I made using some contacts I developed on the civilian side. In my notes, I have named my sources of substantiated information and placed those names with said information from said sources. The PADDs that are standing up in the box is what I have not been able to confirm thus far." Carson nodded, “and your wife, I note she’s still in lock-up. Were you able to clear her name?” He inquired. "Well sir, I discovered that my wife was hired under false pretenses to plan the burglary. There are copies of the original plan Anouk put together plus the plans I had put together after the fact basis on what did happen. Anouk agreed to the job because she did not sense any deception via her Betazoid impathic senses from the one who contracted her. Arouk is willing to testify in exchange that any sentence she is given lengthwise be served as house arrest limiting her to our ranch in Texas." Another shock. He wasn’t expecting another breakthrough, never mind that it he from the wife of a current Security Officer. “Understandable, I’ll need to speak with the legal people on whether they’ll give the OK for that sentence.” "The person who hired Anouk was also from Betazed, and was recently found hanging in her home on Betazed. As for the one who hired her, he is currently enjoying the protection of the Orion Syndicate." “There seem to be links to these groups across the galaxy. It’s making it infuriatingly difficult to chase them down” Carson said. "One of the supposed actual burglars that broke into the base archives was found dead on Trill, he was drowned. Another one, she was found on Andoria, stripped naked and left to freeze to death. That is all I have so far, Sir, and all the sorid and gory details are on those PADDs." Carson took the padds from the man and placed them on the desk for perusal once the meeting was finished. They needed to start placing the jigsaw together and this seemed like a good place to begin. "Any additional information that comes to me, I will make sure I forward it to you PDFQ." “Much appreciated, thank-you for your hard work Chief.” Carson said as he moved around the desk. Chief Tamblyn then went to a relaxed version of the position of attention and said,"Well sir, if you have nothing else for me, I need to head over to Operations and report in to Ensign Alexander." Carson extended his hand, “Nothing urgent, it’s been a pleasure working with you over the past few days. Good luck with Operations and don’t be surprised if I request your presence if I think your skills will help us out over here once in a while.” He said as he shook the mans hand. (Reply Tamblyn Iyw) As Tamblyn left, Carson moved back around the desk and began pouring through the information he’d left behind as he thought about the moves happening on and around the department today.. he’d need to send out an updated structure to make sure everyone was reporting to the right people. (Reply none) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility – Operations Complex– OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 1534) "Chief Petty Officer Charles Tamblyn reporting as directed, Sir." He announced as he saluted the ensign sitting behind the desk. "At ease Chief" Billy said returning the salute. "As you know Chief, we don't have a dedicated OPS chief on Mars yet. As such, since Mission Ops handles certain logistical issues on behalf of the Admiral's office, we've sort of de facto been putting our OPS personnel where they need to be." The chief petty office placed his hands behind his back as he began to say, "Fortunately sir, through Starfleet Reserves, I have training and experience working in Operations, Logistics, and Transportation. So what ever you need done to make mission happen, I can make it happen." "As we are getting ready to leave for Trill, we'll need to make sure we have enough supplies. Why don't you check in with the quarter master's office and help coordinate those efforts." "Not a problem, sir. Are you okay with me using the NCOIC office since it appears vacant?" (Reply Alexander iyw) "I copy, sir. If you have nothing else for me, I will get to work, sir." Charles said as he turned to depart the ensign's offices before hearing Alexander speak up again. "Oh, by the way. My cousin and I are hosting a watch party for a baseball game tomorrow. feel free to stop by. Quarters are number 104. 1900 hours." "Thank you. I look forward to being there." He replied. Tamblyn wasnt used to enlisted and officers socializing together except for very specific functions. But why shouldnt he go. He may be facing life and death situations together and he wanted to k ow more about them other than "they were a fine officer." "Dismissed." With that, Charles departed to start making things happen. (Reply Alexander iyw) (Posted by Charlie) (Mars Facility – Intelligence Compound - Ensign(jg) Jaelle Foxglove - 1841) It was a busy day that morning she moved into her new quarters in the intelligence compound. After which the rest of the lower enlisted began the move in process. Quarters were taken, quickly as the choice spots were grabbed on a first come first serve bases. The only quarters that were saved were hers and the rest of the command wing. Which stood eerily empty, since they remain unoccupied. As the ranking intelligence officer on the mars base she took over the director's quarters which were attached to directors office, that overlooked the main atrium. She was in the director's office, her office, until the Adrmial found someone more suited for the job. Going though the days reports. Things were starting to progress. But the intelligence department was still far behind and lacking sufficient staff. She had just pulled a PADD off her desk to be reviewed when her commbadge sounded =/\= Ensign Peters to Foxglove, If you're free we could use your assistance with an interrogation =/\= The call almost caught Jaelle by surprise, not may openly called on Intelligence for assistance. Pressing her badge she replied. "I'm on the first shuttle out. Send completely files of who you want interrogated and I will review the files enroute." (Reply Peters) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (Mars Facility, Security Complex, SECOPS - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1844) =^=I'm on the first shuttle out. Send completely files of who you want interrogated and I will review the files enroute.=^= Carson briefly wondered what she meant by 'first shuttle out' but placed it to the side for now, "Understood." he replied, "Information will be with you shortly." He deactivated the comm. link and then began working on opening up a secure protocol to dump the information into the computer for access with Foxgloves authorisation. He included all the information Tamblyns wife had given them and any bits he'd picked up from the ongoing Interrogations he was watching in front of him lead by Darpeg & Taya. He set her up in cell 1 and had given her what was likely the toughest of the intruders- the betazoid which seemed to have had the task of neutralising Luma. He watched as Darpeg stepped out of the cell and then he heard, =^=Darpeg to Carson, The subject is starting to give out information.=^= "Excellent," Carson replied. "I'm monitoring the interogations from Secops, keep going. Taya seems to be doing well also and Ensign Foxglove from Intelligence is coming across to help." (Reply Darpeg iyw) He added a note to the information he was providing Foxglove, 'If all of this is linked, it's a massive conspiracy than spans large portions of the Federation and beyond. From Earth to Betazed, Trill & Delta Angoris. I suspect that we're possibly investigating seperate issues- the leak of information from the base, A burglary from the archives and the attack on the Mystique.' He confirmed all the information was correct and present and then sent it on it's way and went back to focusing his full attention on the screens in front of him. (Reply Darpeg, Foxglove) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek -2007) "Now you might want to wait for your friend to arrive before to order, but might I recommend a special menu for your dinner. It starts with a meat and cheese platter, Jamon Iberico, Sliced chorizo, some hard salami. As well as some manchego cheese, brie, and a nice swiss, served with a spicy apricot jam on the side, as well as some sliced bread. It is followed with a fresh gaspacho soup, with the main course of a steak, medium rare, covered with a blue cheese, caramelized onion, cream sauce and roasted potatoes on the side. Ending with a delightful tiramisu. As well as bottomless sangria. Is that something that interest you señorita Merek?" The menu selections reminded Keira just how much of her human side she needed to learn about, she couldn’t identify over 1/3rd of the foods or dishes he had spoke about. “I haven’t heard of many of those, but I trust your judgement. What ever you bring will be lovely.” She said with a smile. "As you wish, I will make sure that your brandy gets here soon and I will direct señor Ravok your way when he arrives." He said rolling the “r’s” in “senior Ravok” With in moments one of the wait staff, a Bolian woman brought a large brandy snifter half filled with a reddish-orange liquid. “Thank you!” Keira gratefully accepted the beverage. “Oh, my gods, I love your dress! Where did you get it?” The Bolian woman inquired, her silver hair was pulled back into a loose pony tail. “Oh,” Keira was surprised by the interaction, nearly inhaling her first sip of drink. “San Francisco.” She answered. “I purchased it with Starfleet credits in a lovely little shop near Telegraph hill.” “You didn’t replicate it?” She asked. “I didn’t, they may have, it would certainly be easier than hand sewing it.” Keira admitted. “Can I touch it?” the blue skinned woman asked. “Yeah, I suppose.” Keira said cautiously. ~Strange request, different cultures?~ “It’s just photo-active sequins.” “Photo active?” she inquired as she touched the bottom hem of the dress pinching it between her thumb and forefinger, the contact was brief, before Keira answered the woman had already withdrawn her hand. “Yeah, the sequins can change color. The cloth is interweaved with micro isolinear threads that will accept commands from a unit that came with the dress.” She said. It’s not often she gets to talk engineering with someone dressed as she was, most people are distracted. The woman seemed amazed. “I could scan it for you later, maybe you could replicate one yourself?” Keira offered. “I think you’d look good in a royal purple..” “That would be amazing! Thank you! I have to get back to work.” The blue-skinned woman said sheepishly. “ Think he’s here for you. I’ll bring the appetizers shortly.” With a smile Ravok spoke " Hello, Ensign Merek..." “Ensign Merek? So formal? Please you can call me Keira if I’m not in uniform.” She said a giggle quickly escaped. " These are for you Keira." He said as he held up the flowers and handed them to her . ~Tiger lilies, just like I brought him and Alex.~ “Thank you! Are these stolen from the arboretum too?” she asked sniffing the offered bouquet. (Reply Ravok) She placed the flowers down gently on the left side of the table near her clutch. “Two Romulans at Starfleet academy at the same time, four years later and we are finally speaking. What do you think the chances of us getting the same posting are?” she broke the ice. (Reply Ravok) “Wait, that was you? I thought I bumped into a Vulcan.” She admitted as the Bolian woman brought in a meat and cheese tray sliding the tray in on Keira’s right and Ravok’s left. Pushing that tray towards the center a small wood cutting board with a half baguette and a 10 cm bread knife. (Reply Ravok) “I was a little distracted. I had just gotten chewed up by Commander Sinclair. He gave me a heated lecture on dependability when I didn’t score so well on one of the exercises.” She had remembered the events leading up to it, but had apparently glossed over some details. She inspected the knife blade, testing it’s springiness with a gentle bend. She thumped it with her middle finger nail producing a soft high-pitched ring. ~Replicated stainless steel.~ (Reply Ravok) “Yes, the very same. In the end, muscle memory got me a class “A” rating in shuttles and small craft. After that ass-chewing though he never did let me up in another fighter. My first two years at the academy I was wearing myself thin doing all the things, I had flight school, hand to hand, computer science, several advanced engineering courses in addition to the primary course curriculum. Had I been able to keep all the courses I was slotted to take at a suitable level I was on my way to a quadruple major.” She said (Reply Ravok) “Yeah, I was well on my way to burn out. Hell, I very nearly did. In the end I chose engineering because seeing how things worked actually calmed me, that was accompanied well with the operations rating as well.” She spoke as she evenly sliced off several pieces of the bread, she offered him some. (Reply Ravok) “The cheese with the holes is “Swiss” I’m told. It was named after it’s place of origin, a former political division of the Europe continent on Earth. Though how such a small piece of land gets it’s own cheese I’m at a loss.” She admitted. As she looked up their eyes met. She didn’t know if it was the candles, his strong features or the way the room seemed to disappear, but she was transfixed, for a moment hypnotized. She couldn’t look away. She could now feel her heart beating at her side. (Reply Ravok) When he spoke the moment faded, “I’m fine.” She said smiling and the room came back into focus. “ I’ve spoken to your mom, briefly. Though you’re not part Klingon so I can only assume that distinction is biologically the only way she’s not your mother? Why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself?” (Reply Ravok, Torres if you wish) (Posted by Todd) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – Pilot Ensign jg Ravok-2009) “Ensign Merek? So formal? Please you can call me Keira if I’m not in uniform.” Keira said as a giggle quickly escaped. " These are for you Keira." He said as he held up the flowers and handed them to her . ~Tiger lilies, just like I brought him and Alex.~ “Thank you! Are these stolen from the arboretum too?” she asked sniffing the offered bouquet. " I wouldn't exactly say stolen , I would say put to a better use" he said and laughed . Keira placed the flowers down gently on the left side of the table near her clutch. “Two Romulans at Starfleet academy at the same time, four years later and we are finally speaking. What do you think the chances of us getting the same posting are?” she broke the ice. Ravok looked at her and gave a slighty nervous laugh. " I actually requested this posting. And we did run into each once , right after the second session vacation of our third year at the academy. I had just gotten back from a rather unpleasant get away and bumped into you on my way into the cafeteria on the main level of the Applied sciences building. You just smiled and kept walking you looked a little preoccupied." ~ You have no idea how much that smile meant to me ~ he thought to himself as he looked at her. “Wait, that was you? I thought I bumped into a Vulcan.” She admitted as the Bolian woman brought in a meat and cheese tray sliding the tray in on Keira’s right and Ravok’s left. Pushing that tray towards the center a small wood cutting board with a half baguette and a 10 cm bread knife. He laughed " Yeah that was me . Most people assume I'm Vulcan. Because I dont have the ridges on my forehead." He got the Bolian womans attention " Could I have a Romulan ale? " he asked her . " Yes , of coarse I shall return with that at once " she replied . “I was a little distracted. I had just gotten chewed up by Commander Sinclair. He gave me a heated lecture on dependability when I didn’t score so well on one of the exercises.” She had remembered the events leading up to it, but had apparently glossed over some details. She inspected the knife blade, testing it’s springiness with a gentle bend. She thumped it with her middle finger nail producing a soft high-pitched ring. ~Replicated stainless steel.~ " Good ole Sinclair. The master of chewing pilots up and spitting us out " He replied “Yes, the very same. In the end, muscle memory got me a class “A” rating in shuttles and small craft. After that ass-chewing though he never did let me up in another fighter. My first two years at the academy I was wearing myself thin doing all the things, I had flight school, hand to hand, computer science, several advanced engineering courses in addition to the primary course curriculum. Had I been able to keep all the courses I was slotted to take at a suitable level I was on my way to a quadruple major.” She said " Not going to lie, that's actually really impressive. Flight school by itself is enough to drive someone insane" He stated “Yeah, I was well on my way to burn out. Hell, I very nearly did. In the end I chose engineering because seeing how things worked actually calmed me, that was accompanied well with the operations rating as well.” She spoke as she evenly sliced off several pieces of the bread, she offered him some. " Oh , thank you" he said as he put some of the bread on his plate and listened to her talk . Hanging on to her every word. “The cheese with the holes is “Swiss” I’m told. It was named after it’s place of origin, a former political division of the Europe continent on Earth. Though how such a small piece of land gets it’s own cheese I’m at a loss.” She admitted. As she looked up their eyes met. She didn’t know if it was the candles, his strong features or the way the room seemed to disappear, but she was transfixed, for a moment hypnotized. She couldn’t look away. She could now feel her heart beating at her side. He noticed her locking eyes with him. Time seemed to stand still. For a moment he knew nothing . For a moment everything dissapeared and it was only her . He quickly snapped himself out of it quick enough to ask " Are you ok ?" When he spoke the moment faded, “I’m fine.” She said smiling and the room came back into focus. “ I’ve spoken to your mom, briefly. Though you’re not part Klingon so I can only assume that distinction is biologically the only way she’s not your mother? Why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself?” " Shes my step mother. Well not technically. You see her and my father never got married but I have known her my entire life. My biological mother died the day I was born. When I was a few months old Kora got hired by my father to work as an engineer on his freighter. Kora noticed my father struggling to get me to stop crying and offered to help calm me down. My father was on his last nerve and handed me over to her and I stopped crying instantly. She was the only one who could get me to calm down. So that connection made them fall in love. " he said. " Although , I will say he hasnt happy when my first words were in Klingon " he said with laugh as he took a drink. " But about myself?? Let's see. I'm 24 I graduated the academy in the top 5 percent of the class of 2444. I am the first full blooded Romulan to do so. I have duel majors one in command and control and the other major is in xeno linguistics. I also have a minor in histroy." He said laughing as he looked at her " That's the good stuff on paper, but truly I'm just a pilot who got lucky . Commander Sinclair used to hound me all the time. He was always on my case. Then one day in my third year I was approached by the captain of Nova Squadron ,Cadet Captain Zerta Kray. She asked me to join but I refused because they seem like a bunch of self centered elitist. " he said laughing " When Sinclair heard I refused . He instantly changed towards me . He started calling things like Champ and big guy and son. He even told me to call him Gary" Keira looked at Ravok seeming very surprised. " Just before graduation Sinclair came to me and told me he would give me his personal and professional recommendation to be posted wherever I wanted. So I chose mars and now ....I'm here " He said to her as he gestured with his left hand to the two of them sitting at the table. " like I said I'm just a pilot who got lucky" He looked at her and smiled looking into her eyes ( reply Santiago iyw) ( reply Keria iyw) ( posted by Davis) (Mars Facility – Operations Complex– OPS- CPO Charles Tamblyn – 2030) Going ahead and occupying the desk that Ensign Alexander approved for him, Charles started his first big project. Getting what was needed to the Mystique for her upcoming mission to Trill. In all of his years with Starfleet, both active duty and reserves, Tamblyn had never known of a ship that was pulled from service that didn't have shortages to be replaced or things that had already been ordered but not made to the ship in question. As he had found out, so had it been with the Mystique. Charles wasn't sure what was so special about the Mystique, but he figured he would find out in due time. Charles had gotten with the base's quartermaster like Ensign Alexander had suggested. After disconnecting the communique with that department, Tamblyn commented loudly and yet to no one in particular, "those yahoos are a complete flipping was of space." All he did manage to find out was that everything that had already been ordered and made it into the fleet supply system for the Mystique had been stored together in containers and placed in a warehouse on Earth somewhere. He did manage to get the container numbers. Now all he had to do was track down the containers, confirm contents, get them moved to Mars, get the dock master to give the okay for worker-bees to move the containers into the primary hanger of the ship, line up the worker-bees, get costoms clearance from security,and get the signatures needed to make it all happen. Charles just leaned back in his chair with his hands over his face and spoke to himself, "I could have retired from this years ago. Then all I had to do is dig up evidence of cheating spouses and dragging bad guys in to be arrested by the law. What the hell was I thinking." "Face it handsome, you excel at jobs you hate." Said a familiar feminine voice say. Charles sat up in his chair and removed his hands from his face. When he opened his eyes, he smiled in recognition of the woman the voice belonged to. A striking, athletically built Romulan woman with short cropped dark hair, with a tattoo of a dragon at her left cheekbone. She was wearing a business suit with her hands planted on his desk. Charles smiled at her and asked, "what brings you to this neck of the woods?" T'Lela straightened up, and placed her hands on her hips as she replied, "I have an opening that you would fit perfectly." When Charles was a teenager, he would have loved to have heard those words from this woman. He also knew that wasn't what she meant. "I have tracked down a bounty to Mars, and the target will be attending a little get together at one of the embassy annexes here. Are you interested in being my bodyguard tomorrow night?" Tamblyn stepped around his desk and stood arms length away from T'Lela, standing straight and placing his hands on his hips in the same basic pose she was in and just stared at her. After a few seconds he responded "Hmm, I'm not sure. I got invited to watch a ballgame with some of the Ensigns here. What time did you want to meet up?" T'Lela looked at her chronometer before responding "I can meet you around this time tomorrow night. And if you would, wear your blue three-piece suit." Charles puts his hands in his pockets, "The game starts at 1900." Relaxing her pose, "So are you up for intrigue and mayhem?" "You can pick me up at quarters number 104 at 2030. I will explain to my host." "I will see you then. I have to go hammer out a couple details and I want to swing by and see Anouk. You have a good night, and dont let the beaurocratic flunkies get you down." As T'Lela turned and started out the door, Charles said "see you tomorrow." (Reply None) (Posted by Charlie) (Mars Facilities – The Red Sands – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek & Pilot – Ensign JG Ravok – 2107) The meal was delicious enough that both young officers were thinking about taking lunches in here instead of the officer’s mess. With all the liquid courage she had imbibed, Keira felt the need to move. “Well Ensign Ravok, care to dance?” she teased him. " Ensign Ravok ? Paying me back for being so formal I get it. Lead the way Ma’am" he said to her jokingly with a laugh. ~ Nicely played Keira. Getting me back~ He thought to himself. She lead him out to the dance floor. She selected a song change from the wall menu. She picked something from pre-war Earth that she thought would work well. The music started at a slow tempo as the pair walked out onto the center of the open floor. He smiled at her and said " I must warn you, I may have done this a time or two before after a few Romulan ales" “Just as long as we have some fun.” She said with a smile. [♫All alone I have cried ♪Silent tears full of pride ♪ In a world made of steel ♪Made of stone ♫] She draped her hands over his shoulders as they swayed to the slower tempo, he gently cradled her waist. " Its funny, yesterday I was dying and now...This" he said to her as they danced "Cradol nodaire mnevher” {R: Fate guide us} she said with a smile. [♪Well, I hear the music ♫ Close my eyes, feel the rhythm ♪ Wrap around ♪ Take a hold of my heart ♫] " Try to keep up." he said to he as the tempo increased. He changed to a tango hybrid step. [♪What a feeling ♫ Bein’s believin’ ♪ I can have it all ♫Now I’m dancing for my life ♪] As their dance continues gaining speed as the song does, conversations stop as all eyes are on the pair. Ravok felt the eyes of the onlookers. He leaned into her ear " Trust me, I won't hurt you " He said as he built momentum up to spin her. [♫Take your passion ♫ And make it happen ♪Pictures come alive ♪You can dance right through your life ♫] She let the momentum of the spin carry her in a whirl out maybe three meters ending in a flourish. The bar erupts in applause. The pair come back together joining hands. "Hwiiy ilu staere" (( You are perfect , perfect meant as in amazing to commend her)) he said to her in Romulan as he looked her in the eyes and grinned . In this moment Ravok felt something he hadn’t felt since the first time he sat at the helm of a ship. He felt excited, afraid, happy, terrified...he felt alive truly alive. For her the room was empty with only her and him. As they gently spun two astral bodies orbiting each other. [♫Take your passion ♪ And make it happen ♪Pictures come alive ♫You can dance right through your life ♪What a feeling! ♫] They finished with Ravok guiding Keira into a sweeping dip. As the song ended she popped back up. As they locked eyes the room erupted into a second series of applause. They walked back to the table, holding hands. " Great dinner , and an even better dance partner I certainly wasn’t expecting that . Did you see how they were looking at us? , it was unbelievable you were unbelievable " he said to Keira . “I couldn’t have done it with out your lead.” She said. ~Where did he learn to dance like that?~ She thought. “Walk me back to my room ?" She asked . He laughed " No you made us look good just admit it" he said. As he held his arm out for her " I would love to Keira " he replied . As the pair walked out of The Red Sands all eyes were still on them. Ravok could hardly believe how great this night was. ~Maybe I did die...here I am out on a date. A real date with my dream woman~ he thought to himself. He was nervous as they walked . He didnt know how the night would end. A hand shake? A hug ? A kiss? He just didnt want her to think he expected anything from her that would make them both have regrets at a later time. Ravok was perfectly fine with the night ending there. To him this was already more than he deserved. He thought about their chemistry though. He didnt have to fake anything around her . He was truly able to be himself She wondered during the mostly silent walk if this feeling was going to last. Was this love? Was something really there or was it multiple glasses of really strong alcohol and an amazing time? They approached her quarters. Ravok didnt want the night to end. It was a dream he didnt want to wake from Stopping in front of her door he looked at her " I want to thank you for a great time, if you would like maybe we can do this again sometime? " He couldn't stop looking at her. ~By Freya, shut up~ Like a predator she pounced and kissed him. It was brief, but it said all she needed it to say. Ravok didnt stop her. He kissed her back When the kiss stopped, “Tonight doesn’t have to end. Come in for a nightcap?” she waived her hand opening the door to her quarters with a whoosh. He started to enter her quarters but stopped himself. " I ...want to, I really do." He answered ~ Damn it Lathuel, this is your chance . It's her its HER~ he thought to himself . " Not tonight ," he said as he held where he was stabbed during the mission. " I think I pushed myself a little too far with the dancing tonight" He was more than ok . He was just following Trips advice . Not tonight. Make her want more. Also he was worried that she might face some sort of punishment , similar to Trip. Ravok would gladly take punishment but couldn't imagine Keira suffering in anyway ... “Then, until next time.” She said with a coy smile, entered her quarters and closed the door behind her. Ravok stood there and laughed to himself " Wow" he said as he clapped his hands . " Goodnight " he said as though she could hear him and walked away ( reply no one) ( posted by Todd and Davis)